CFP: Anti-Heroes (9/10/06; NEMLA, 3/1/07-3/3/07)

A panel at the 2007 convention of the Northeast Modern Language Association=,March 1-3, Baltimore MD.

This panel examines the meaning and significance of the "anti-hero" inpopular fiction. The anti-hero, while he or she may ultimately "save theday," does not live by the same set of rules as the traditional heroicfigure. Sometimes, such characters serve ultimately noble ends but employthe most despicable tactics, bringing sharply into focus the perennialquestion, "does the end justify the means?" In other cases--here Donaldson'=s'Thomas Covenant' is paradigmatic--the anti-hero's inevitable destinycarries the character along despite her/his most dreadful character flawsand self-absorption. Often, these anti-heroes suggest that real "purity" isnot only unlikely, but also potentially dangerous. The panel sets out toexplore these themes.

Please submit abstracts or papers considering the role of the 'anti-hero' i=npopular fiction. Work in all genres will be accepted, but examinations ofthe high fantasy anti-hero ( e.g. Elric of Melnibone, Thomas Covenant theUnbeliever) are especially appreciated. Email proposals toelric.kline_at_gmail.com.